LEDC wins praise, votes for new county contract

Thursday

Feb 14, 2013 at 4:00 PM

By Dennis PelhamDaily Telegram Staff Writer

Praise as well as votes were given to a revitalized Lenawee Economic Development Corp. by Lena­wee County commissioners.

A new contract, including a $100,000 payment for LEDC services, was unanimously recommended in committee on Tuesday and approved by the commission Wednesday. Funding for the contract was approved in the county’s 2013 budget last fall.

LEDC support was in doubt last year when the commission agreed to allow the agency to work off a 2011 loan by performing services for the county without receiving any payments for the year. The LEDC lost a millage proposal in November 2011 that would have provided independent funding for the economic development agency. Private donors kept the agency afloat with funding for a two-member staff.

“I appreciate the work that you do. You’ve come a long way. Two people are doing more than five people were doing, and for less dollars,” said ways and means committee chairman Ralph Tillotson, R-Adrian Twp.

“I think the additional support of county government is just outstanding,” said Jim Van Doren, who became LEDC executive director a year ago.

“As the largest government, I’m glad to see us involved again. I’m very satisfied with the direction we’re going,” said commissioner Cletus Smith, R-Madison Twp.

“If we’re going to move this county forward, we’re going to have to have cooperation among all of us,” Smith said.

Van Doren announced a new program to help local residents find work with existing businesses that are reporting problems finding workers with skills they need.

An internship program with Adrian College has been established to survey every company in Lenawee County with 25 or more employees, Van Doren said. Interns will compile information from each company on what skills are needed for entry-level jobs, he said. A list of required skills and employment benefits offered by each company will then be shared with local schools.

Van Doren said he expects the survey information to be available by the middle of this year.

The goal is to help residents seek specific training needed to acquire the jobs that are available in the community, he said.

“The old days of just going into a factory and getting a job are gone,” Van Doren said. Workers also need skills in writing resumes and presenting themselves at interviews, he said.

“I’m really glad to see you doing this,” said commissioner Terry Collins, R-Adrian.